Dermatitis

Dermatitis is essentially an inflammatory response in the skin. While it can be acute, chronic, or recurring, all types share common features: redness, irritation, and disruption of the skin barrier.

Types of dermatitis and how they present:

• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Often appears in children, linked to dry, sensitive skin and a family history of allergies. Adults may experience persistent patches on hands, face, or inner elbows.
• Contact Dermatitis: Triggered by irritants or allergens such as soaps, fragrances, metals, or plants. Reaction can occur immediately or after repeated exposure.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Characterised by greasy, flaky patches, especially on the scalp, eyebrows, and around the nose. Associated with overgrowth of certain skin yeasts.
• Nummular Dermatitis: Coin-shaped itchy patches, usually on limbs or torso, often exacerbated by dry skin or environmental factors.

Common symptoms include:

• Red, inflamed skin
• Persistent itchiness or burning sensation
• Dry, cracked, or flaky skin
• Occasional blistering or oozing
• Thickened skin from chronic scratching

Dermatitis is more than just a cosmetic concern—it can significantly impact comfort, sleep, self-confidence, and quality of life.

Dermatitis is multifactorial, meaning multiple elements often contribute to its development and flare-ups. Understanding these is essential for effective prevention and management.

• Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis.
• Skin Barrier Dysfunction: Weak or compromised skin allows irritants, allergens, and microbes to penetrate, triggering inflammation.
• Environmental Triggers: Dry air, pollution, temperature extremes, and harsh cleaning products can provoke symptoms.
• Allergens and Irritants: Metals, fragrances, detergents, and certain fabrics may lead to allergic or irritant reactions.
• Immune System Sensitivity: Overactive immune responses create excessive inflammation in susceptible individuals.
• Lifestyle Factors: Stress, poor sleep, and dietary imbalances can exacerbate flare-ups.

Other contributors include hormonal changes, prolonged sun exposure, and repetitive scratching, which can worsen existing lesions and impair healing.

Prevention focuses on protecting the skin barrier, minimising irritation, and managing environmental and lifestyle triggers. A proactive approach is often the most effective.

Skincare Strategies:

• Gentle Cleansing: Use fragrance-free, non-soap cleansers to avoid stripping natural oils.
• Moisturisation: Frequent application of emollients containing ceramides, fatty acids, or hyaluronic acid helps maintain barrier integrity.
• Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum SPF protects the skin from UV-induced inflammation and prevents pigment changes.

Lifestyle and Environmental Measures:

• Clothing Choices: Breathable fabrics like cotton reduce friction; avoid wool or rough synthetics.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Adequate water intake and antioxidant-rich foods support skin resilience. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation.
• Stress and Sleep Management: Chronic stress and sleep deprivation exacerbate flare-ups; relaxation techniques and consistent sleep routines can help.
• Identify and Avoid Triggers: Keep a diary to track flare-ups linked to food, skincare products, or environmental exposures.

Bathing Practices:

• Avoid hot, prolonged showers.
• Pat skin dry gently instead of rubbing.
• Limit harsh scrubs or exfoliants that can compromise the barrier.

1. Medical-Grade Skincare

Medical-grade skincare is the foundation of dermatitis management. Products are formulated with clinically validated concentrations of barrier-repairing and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Key Ingredients:

• Ceramides and fatty acids: Restore the lipid barrier
• Niacinamide: Reduces redness and inflammation
• Hyaluronic acid: Maintains hydration
• Antioxidants: Protect against environmental stressors

Benefits:

• Supports barrier repair
• Reduces itchiness and inflammation
• Prevents recurrence of flare-ups

2. Chemical Peels

Gentle chemical peels can benefit dull, rough, or mildly inflamed skin by promoting controlled exfoliation and supporting barrier recovery.

• Recommended Types: Lactic acid or low-concentration glycolic acid peels
• Avoid Strong Peels: TCA or high-strength peels may aggravate inflamed dermatitis-prone skin

Ideal For:

• Dry or flaky patches
• Early pigmentation from chronic inflammation

3. Skin Boosters

Hydrating injectables like skin boosters enhance skin resilience, hydration, and elasticity.

Benefits:

• Restores moisture to chronically dry skin
• Improves fine lines from repeated scratching or dryness
• Supports long-term barrier repair

Best For:

• Persistent dehydration
• Sensitive or inflamed areas prone to flare-ups

4. Topical Anti-Inflammatories

Prescription options, such as corticosteroids or non-steroidal topicals, reduce active inflammation during flare-ups.

Tips for Safe Use:

• Apply the lowest effective strength for the shortest duration
• Always combine with moisturisers to maintain barrier function

Professional assessment is essential for persistent, severe, or spreading dermatitis.

Seek expert care if:

• Flare-ups are frequent or worsening
• There is secondary infection (oozing, yellow crusting, pus)
• Itching disrupts sleep or daily life
• Chronic scratching causes thickened, pigmented, or scarred skin

At Dr Hass Clinic, we offer personalised treatment plans combining medical-grade skincare, skin boosters, gentle peels, and lifestyle guidance. Early intervention reduces flare-ups and preserves skin health.

• Dermatitis encompasses atopic, contact, seborrheic, and nummular subtypes
• Causes include genetics, barrier dysfunction, environment, allergens, hormones, and lifestyle
• Prevention focuses on gentle skincare, moisturisation, sun protection, and trigger management
• Treatments such as medical-grade skincare, skin boosters, gentle peels, and prescription topicals reduce inflammation and restore barrier health
• Early professional care ensures personalised guidance, faster improvement, and long-term skin resilience

Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that can affect comfort and confidence. Effective management requires a combination of prevention, clinical interventions, and consistent at-home care.

• Protect your skin and avoid triggers
• Strengthen the barrier with medical-grade skincare
• Professional treatments such as gentle chemical peels and skin boosters enhance resilience
• Lifestyle measures including hydration, stress management, and gentle routines complement clinical care

At Dr Hass Clinic, we provide clinically validated, personalised treatments to calm inflammation, repair the skin, and prevent flare-ups, giving patients healthy, comfortable skin they can trust.